Omaha, NE – Residents across eastern and central Nebraska should prepare for degraded air quality through midday Sunday as smoke from prescribed burns spreads across the region.
According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Environment and Energy, an Air Quality Alert is in effect from 6 a.m. Saturday, April 12, through 12 p.m. Sunday, April 13. The advisory impacts dozens of counties, including Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, Gage, Madison, and Hall, with particular attention on Omaha and Lincoln, where air quality monitors have shown elevated PM2.5 levels.
Officials warn that the Air Quality Index will range from Moderate (yellow) to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange). Those with respiratory or heart conditions, young children, and older adults should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. Symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath are signals to reduce exertion.
The smoke originates from controlled burns in the Central Plains, with wind patterns contributing to its spread. Statewide monitoring stations in Grand Island, Scottsbluff, and Bellevue are tracking the situation.
